Sedona Elopement Guide
When To Elope In Sedona
Although Sedona boasts gorgeous scenery and breathtaking views year-round, there are certain seasons that will provide the absolute perfect weather for what you’re looking for on your special day. Overall, the ideal time to elope in Sedona is March to early May and then October through December. But be conscious of the fact that with the ideal weather comes the busiest times of the year, as the months listed above coincide almost exactly with the most popular tourist months. Spring break, Easter weekend, and fall break are all some of the busiest weeks specifically so it’s a good idea to avoid them as outlook and trailhead parking is extremely limited in Sedona.
Spring in Sedona is simply picturesque, and the landscape blooms with wildflowers and other stunning native flora. If you’re looking for warm, reliable weather the typical season for spring weddings and elopements is April-May.
It’s generally not recommended to elope in Sedona during the summer months. Though the summer sun setting over the red rocks is an incredible sight, the heat can get pretty brutal from June through August and you likely won’t be very comfortable standing around in the harsh sun.
Fall is another great time to elope in Sedona. From September to November you’ll get much more mild temperatures and those deep fall tones that nature takes on. Tourist season is also technically over by this time so you won’t have to deal with the crowds that you’d encounter in the spring, and this can also mean better deals on lodging.
Winter in Sedona is the best season if you’re looking to avoid crowds, though you can expect very mild snowfall from mid-January to mid-February. The temperatures can drop to the 50s during the day so if you choose to elope in these months be prepared to bundle up!
How To Elope In Sedona
If you’re looking to be legally married in Sedona, you need to take a few steps to make it happen! The first thing you’ll need is a registered officiant, either someone you hire or a guest who is ordained to marry you. You can also choose to take the path of self-solemnization in which you’re able to say your vows and essentially perform your union yourself, with the legally required actions being performed after the fact and separate from your intimate ceremony. If you choose this, I can photograph your self-conducted ceremony and then sign your marriage license, as I’m ordained! You’ll also need two witnesses to satisfy the next legal requirement, and these people can be anyone from guests to family members to two friendly hikers you meet on the trail. Finally, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from either the Sedona Clerk Office, Flagstaff Clerk Office, or the Phoenix/Maricopa County Clerk Office.
When following these proper guidelines, you do not need a permit to elope at most locations in Sedona. Elopements in Sedona cannot include any setup of any sort (no arches, chairs, decorations, etc.) and parties of 75 guests or more. If you have any questions about permits/rules you want to reach out directly to the Forest Service Rangers for the Red Rock District.
You might also consider looking into local vendors for your elopement, such as hairstylists, makeup artists, or bakeries! Here’s a list of vendors that I recommend, many of which are based in Sedona.
Where To Elope In Sedona
Below I’ve compiled a list of some of my personal favorite elopement spots in Sedona, as well as some specifics about them to help you decide what spot is right for your special day!
Secret Slickrock
Secret Slickrock is a local gem that has recently gained popularity for it’s spectacular red rock plateau with views of Cathedral Rock. This spot requires a 15-minute walk from the parking area. This is location offers a wide open area that is perfect if you are planning on inviting family and friends to your elopement. The trail does have one area when walking out to the ceremony location that is a fairly steep step-down with loose rocks. This can be a limiting factor if you have loved ones with limited mobility. Also, while I’ve witnessed brides walk out in their heels - I almost always recommend wearing a comfy pair of walking shoes and bringing your heels to change into before the ceremony.
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is a Sedona icon! This well-known spot offers stunning 360-degree red rock views including Bell, Baby Bell, Courthouse, Twin Buttes, & Lee Mountain. The walk from the parking area to this spot is quick and easy, this is a great location for those who don’t want to have to hike to their location and/or planning on including family members with limited mobility. My main logistical concern about this location is that the parking lot is small and can fill up quickly during peak seasons. If you choose this location for your ceremony, I recommend carpooling to minimize any stresses surrounding parking. A sunrise ceremony or a weekday elopement is the best way to beat the crowds to this location!
Crescent Moon Ranch
Crescent Moon Ranch is a beautiful property located on the creekside and offers gorgeous views of Cathedral Rock. This spot is the most easily accessible option on this list! There is a $11 fee per vehicle to enter the parking lot. Once we connect, we'll walk down towards the creek. We will hit the first creek spot approximately 5 minutes from the parking lot. If you two would like to get in the water this is the best spot to adventure across the creek when the water levels are low enough. Then we'll walk a bit further (5-10 minutes) through the trees along the creek to get to a few other spots that offer backgrounds ranging from grassy plains, blackberry bushes, & rocky creek scenes. Finally, it opens up to a field with the most breathtaking view of Cathedral Rock perfect for an intimate ceremony (as you can see in the photos below).
Crescent Moon Ranch does require a permit:
Small (up to 15 people): $100 (includes three spaces & two hours of park usage for the event)
Large (up to 50 people): $160 (includes group ramada)
Merry Go Round Rock
If you’re an adventurous soul or just looking to add an element of excitement to your elopement, this is definitely the location for you! This location requires a 4WD vehicle & a 45-minute off-roading adventure to reach the Merry Go Round Rock outlook. If you don’t own a high-clearance off-roading vehicle, you can either book a Jeep tour to the spot OR rent a Jeep to drive up yourself! Either way, the journey is well worth the views - at sunset especially, this is easily one of Sedona’s most stunning sights! Once you park midway up Schnebly Hill, it is a short 5 minute walk to the epic vista looking down at Bear Wallow Canyon toward Sedona.
Responsibly Eloping in Sedona
Practicing “leave no trace” principles on the trails is something that’s super important to me, and something that I ask that all my clients (as well as anyone reading this!) to be mindful of. This includes not having a setup of any kind at your elopement, meaning no arches, chairs, rugs, tables, etc. Keeping your group to less than 75 is also a good idea, and be extremely careful not to walk on crypto soil or trample any of the native plantlife- stick to the trails and flat rock areas for standing. Consider not geo-tagging any specific locations you travel to when posting on social media, as these gorgeous locations are being greatly, negatively impacted by their exposure on social media. I grew up in Sedona and pride myself on being super knowledgeable on the local geography as well as how to leave as little of a footprint as possible, and I’m more than happy to help you navigate planning your elopement responsibly!
Lodging Options
Some of the best hotels and resorts in Sedona, and the ones I recommend, are:
Enchantment Resort
Poco Diablo
Sky Ranch Lodge
Briar Patch Inn
Sky Rock Inn
Amara Resort & Spa
The Penrose Bed & Breakfast
Here’s a local tip: check out https://sedona.org/ for the best Sedona vacation rentals! They break down their listings into categories for pet-friendly rentals, long-term rentals, and more! Airbnb & VRBO are other great lodging options, and there’s simply a ton in the area. If you want specific recommendations based on your needs, contact me and I’d be more than happy to give you some! Something you should keep in mind when planning your Sedona elopement, however, is that you are not legally allowed to host events at your Airbnb. You can have getting ready photos taken there with the permission of the owner, but photography in general at many Airbnb’s is not permitted.
Reception Recommendations
Be sure that you call and inquire with restaurants WELL in advance, most places in Sedona won't take reservations for parties larger than 12. Below is a list of places that will take reservations for parties of 10-20, but definitely still call in advance just to verify with them.
Decanter Tasting Room
Rene at Tlaquepaque
Sound Bites Grill
Bella Vita Ristorante
Steakhouse 89
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
Some other great places to eat that I recommend checking out:
Gerardos Italian Kitchen (farm fresh, genuine Italian)
Mesa Grill (beautiful views of Sedona's private airport & yummy menu)
Creekside (great views of the creek, perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner)
Oak Creek Brewery (cozy brewery vibes to enjoy a cold beer & yummy food)
SaltRock Kitchen (perfect place for a cocktail & views in uptown)
Dellepiane (best burgers in town!)
Pumphouse Station (best breakfast/brunch spot)
Local Juicery (smoothies, acai bowls, juices)
Rotten Johnny's (amazing wood-fired pizza)
Late Night Bars (Sedona is a sleepy town so most close at 9pm)
Vino De Sedona
Mooney’s
If you’re interested in hiring a private chef for the evening, the absolute best one in town is Chef Jordan Rhode with Out of Soup. Here is his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outofsoup/
If you'd like to contact him directly his phone number is (928) 300-9139 and email is jordansoutofsoup@gmail.com
Other Activities To Do While You’re Here
Aside from its breathtaking landscapes and native flora and fauna, Sedona has plenty of amazing activities for you to enjoy regardless of whether you want adventure or something more family-friendly.
Here are some activities to consider during your time in beautiful Sedona:
Hiking- some of my favorite hiking trails:
Sugarloaf Loop
Fay Canyon
Yavapai Vista
Seven Sacred Pools
Horseback riding- Wild Western Horseback Adventures in Camp Verde, AZ
Visit wineries or go wine tasting in Page Springs
Walk around Tlaquepaque, an outdoor market and crafts village that is authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village
Go swimming in the creek- Sliderock functions as a naturally-occurring water slide that is a great option for cooling off under the Sedona sun! There’s also plenty of space that is open for more relaxed swimming and wading.
Go shopping in Uptown, a shopping plaza populated entirely by small, locally owned businesses.
Offroading/Jeep Rentals
Rent your own - Barlow Jeeps & Red Rock Rubicon Jeep Rentals
Go on a Jeep tour - Pink Jeep and A Day In The West
Tips From A Local
Always bring water. Sedona’s elevation and dry climate very easily leads to dehydration.
Always bring sun protection. The Arizona sun is no joke. During the summer, hike in the early mornings and late evenings to avoid the heat.
Use AllTrails to pick trails you want to explore. They explain each trail in detail and allow you to download the trail map.
Hike popular trails at sunrise and/or on weekdays to beat the crowds.
Buy a Red Rock Pass and keep it in your dashboard. This pass will let you park at most trailheads, including Bell Rock Vista, Boynton, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Doe Mountain, Huckaby, Midgley Bridge, & Yavapai Vista.
Call & book reservations at restaurants well in advance.
Check out https://sedona.org/ for the best Sedona vacation rentals.
I’m Here To Help Make Your Dream Elopement Come True
Despite the sneaky, secretive connotations that the stereotypical elopement may carry, if you’re looking for an experience that includes your friends and family or even hair and makeup beforehand or some sort of reception afterwards, odds are you may want some help creating an event timeline and getting all your ducks in a row. If you’re looking for a local elopement photographer to help you plan the perfect day or stay in Sedona, I’m your girl! My Fennec Fox Package is a two-hour elopement photography package that includes timeline customization as well as local vendor and location recommendations. I also offer a more inclusive elopement package which is customizable but can include coordination, hair & makeup, floral services, & more! Feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries!
The Foxy Elopement Experience
An All-Inclusive Sedona Elopement Package